Monthly Archives: November 2011

General Safety Issues

OHSA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety

Today, we are featuring a guest blog written by Daphne Dunphy, a safety copywriter at Moneysupermarket.com, who majored in English. Daphne loves  to combine her creative streak and passion for the English language with her love of all things travel.  The following information was sent to share with our readers:

OSHA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety

The last month has brought with it new information on the rights of workers and employers, after documents were published in Washington that shed light on the protection offered to people who work outdoors.

mec

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights (here) and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities (here).
Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document (here) and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry (here).
Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities.  Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document  and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry.  Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.

The topics that Daphne mentioned are very important requirements of being trained and prepared for outdoor work responsibilities, such as entering confined spaces, using aerial lifts, and other occupations that present special hazards.  Thanks, Daphne.  We look forward to hearing from you again.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF KEEPING TODDLERS SAFE

GUEST BLOG

We recently received this informative article from Roxanne Porter (www. nannyjobs.org).  With the holidays coming up, it’s wise to brush up on these suggestions, as some of you will have little visitors, and your house may not be properly “child-proofed.”  For those parents of little ones, these suggestions are to be followed every day, as there is nothing more important than the safety of our children. 

When a child reaches the toddler stage, there are a whole range of precautions that need to be taken into account in order to assure safe play times and places. Here are 10 commandments to bear in mind for keeping toddlers safe while playing.

  1. Secure all Straps and Handles. Toddlers love to reach and grab, so any heavy or dangerous items with straps or handles should be secured out of their reach. Purses, backpacks, pots & pans, or anything that may be grabbed and used to pull an object down on top of a toddler needs to be accounted for.
  2. Keep Unused Rooms Locked. Any room that is not expected to be played in, or that has not been “toddler-proofed” should be locked in order to keep toddlers from wandering in. Just closing doors is not likely to be effective, as toddlers are notoriously curious and prone to exploration.
  3. Employ Baby Gates and Toddler-Latches. Open stairways or passageways into unsecure areas without doors should be blocked with baby gates. Cabinets and drawers that contain potentially dangerous items need to be secured with the types of latches that are meant to keep toddlers from pulling them open.
  4. Secure Electrical Outlets and Cords. Any room that a toddler may play in should have all electrical outlets covered, and all electrical cords secured in such a way that they can’t be chewed on or unplugged. Also, be aware that electrical cords can be used to pull a lamp or other appliance off of a table. It’s a good idea to get down on the floor and inspect the entire room from toddler level, in order to assure that all electrical sources are inaccessible.
  5. Cover or Remove Sharp Corners. All furniture or decorative items in a toddler’s play room should be examined for sharp corners and edges that may be fallen against or that may be at a level to injure a toddler’s head. Look underneath tables, plant stands, etc., for metal brackets or screws that may project and be hazardous to a child that crawls or walks under them.
  6. Remove Hinged Toy Box Lids. Toy boxes should be open, or with covers that may be removed and set aside. Hinged lids pose a danger in two ways; the possibility of slamming shut on tender fingers or the head of a child looking in the box, and the chance that a child might crawl inside and be trapped when the lid falls shut.
  7. Secure all Bathrooms. Bathrooms are full of things that can be dangerous to toddlers. Toilets and bathtubs are potential drowning hazards for curious children, cleaning utensils are likely to have chemical or bacteria residues, and cleaning products are usually toxic.
  8. Beware of Choking/Poison/Burn/Laceration Hazards. Any room that is meant for child’s play needs to be closely inspected for anything that a child might put in his or her mouth and present a danger of choking or poisoning. Fireplaces and stoves should be blocked off from toddlers, and anything that may present a danger of puncture or laceration wounds should be removed. Outside play areas should be inspected just as thoroughly.
  9. Inspect/Secure Sandboxes Before Play. Sandboxes should be covered when not in use, but should also be inspected before a child is allowed access for play. Small animals such as cats may find them handy for waste elimination duties, or, depending on where you live, potentially dangerous creepy-crawlies could find them a comfortable place for hiding.
  10. EYES ON! Although all of the first 9 listed here are important, this is the most important commandment of all when it comes to safe toddler play. Keep eyes on the child, and ears tuned in the small moments when you might lose sight of a child. They move fast, and disasters can happen as quickly as the time it takes to send a brief text message to a friend.

Keep these 10 commandments in mind, and you will reduce the chances for a toddler in your care to be injured. An eleventh commandment would be to always keep a phone handy for a 911 call, as even the most meticulous attention to the commandments above is not going to assure 100% safety for toddlers.

I would like to add two more suggestions: be sure your parked car doors are locked.  Toddlers love to try to get inside the car and play.  Be sure to lock the doors when you park your car and remind your visitors to, as well.  Getting out of a hot car may be more difficult than getting into one.  Also, keep a first aid kit handy; you never know when you might need it!

Thank you, Roxanne, for these reminders.  You can read more excellent information on child safety at http://www.nannyjobs.org/blog.

Back Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO CLEAR SNOW OFF YOUR DRIVEWAY

GUEST BLOG

Today’s safety tips are sent from our friend from the United Kingdom, Matt Hornsby.  Although Matt acknowledges that we Texans aren’t facing this problem yet, our friends north of us will be soon.  Some parts of the panhandle of our state are more fortunate to receive more snow in the winter than others, but there will be plenty of snow to go around in many states, so get ready and to follow these instructions from Matt.

Although this topic may sound trivial at first, it is still important to take into consideration after a large downpour of snow.  A sudden downfall of snow can block everything from stairways to front doors, so it’s important to buy a decent snow shovel and ensure that your home is “Winter Proof”.  Clearing the white stuff off your driveway can be irritating, but here’s how to do it in a safe and methodical way.

1.  Do Some Stretches.

Before you go outside to dig your car out of a snow drift, be sure to do some warm up exercises.  Shovelling snow can be quite hard work in the cold, so always prepare your muscles for a good cardiac session.  Jogging on the spot, squats and star jumps should all help loosen you up and stretches should stop you from aching the next day.

2.  Use an Appropriate Show Shovel.

When clearing away snow, it’s important to use a snow shovel that’s not too heavy for you.  The last thing you want is a self-inflicted injury, so be sure to buy the right tools.  Bent-handle snow shovels are ideal, as they’ll save you from stooping too low and you’ll save yourself some energy.  There are many different snow shovel designs out there, so make your purchase carefully.

3.  Decide Where to Put the Snow.

Always decide where you’re going to move the snow before you start shovelling away.  You can’t just put it anywhere, so think of a suitable place.  Don’t block off fire exits or your neighbour’s drive and avoid piling it too high.  The last thing you want is a mini avalanche, so be extremely careful where and how you dump unwanted snow.

4. Push Snow.

Wherever possible, try to push rather than lift snow out of the way.  Those delicate little flakes that fall from the sky can become a heavy mass, so be sure to protect your back.  Always throw snow forward and avoid tossing it over your shoulder as this could cause an injury.  Why not also ask your friends to help you out so you don’t have to do all the work yourself?

5. Be as Thorough as Possible.

Try to remove as much snow from your driveway as possible so it has a better chance of thawing out.  Big piles of snow take longer to disappear, so if you want to keep your driveway in action, shovel the white stuff elsewhere.  Snow can thaw at its own time so long as it’s not blocking your way.  Always keep an eye out for icy patches, however, and keep grit spreaders nearby throughout winter.

Mother Nature can send a flurry of flakes falling at any time during winter, so it’s best to be prepared.

Thanks, Matt, for another great article that focuses on our safety!  You can read more of Matt’s articles on www.whatishealthandsafety.co.uk.

 

 

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORK SAFETY – HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE JOB

Today’s Guest Blog is from Joseph Morris at http://www.buy-pepper-spray-today.com.  Here are his thoughts on how we can stay safe at the workplace. 

Most of us take our jobs for granted. We wake up, go to work, get paid and go home. The thought of an accident or injury is not one that crosses most people’s minds. However, almost all jobs involve some sort of risk – be it large or small – and the awareness of these hazards, and the proper use of safety equipment, is critical to mitigating the incidence of injury on the job. 

One of the most important aspects of work safety is training and awareness. New employees, especially those in industries which involve heavy machinery, heavy lifting, chemicals, noise, repetitive movement and heights, need to be trained properly. It is critical that they understand how the equipment that they operate works and what the dangers in their work environment are. 

However, training and awareness are not enough. Any industry and its workers would benefit from using the correct occupational safety products. These products can help to protect workers from physical injury, improving productivity and employee confidence, while decreasing employer liability. Let’s discuss some of the most important occupational safety products. 

Hearing Protection 

The ears are designed to withstand sound pressure levels up to a certain point. After that point, however, hearing damage can occur. The damage may take place over a long period of time, or may have a rapid onset after sudden exposure to loud noise. Ears can be protected with ear muffs or earplugs.   

Safety Earmuffs fit over the whole ear – they resemble large headphones.  Some ear muffs are adjustable; they can fit on any size of head. In certain industries, muffs which are made of dielectric materials – meaning that they are poor conductors of electricity – are important; they should not attract live currents to the workers head.  Some ear muffs offer special acoustic filters which provide an even attenuation of external noise, allowing the worker to hear everything around them at a reduced level, instead of muffling the sound, while protecting their hearing.  Ear muffs should be made of resilient material, be lightweight and allow the worker’s ears to breathe. 

Earplugs are much smaller than muffs. They fit directly in the ear, and are usually made of a pliable foam or silicone material. The advantages of plugs are that they are lightweight, easy to transport, inexpensive, discrete and easily replaced. Some workers may find them more comfortable than ear muffs. However, some earplugs do not offer sufficient attenuation of outside noise. It is important that the attenuation capabilities be compared with those of ear muffs. If the former cannot provide adequate hearing protection, then the latter must be chosen. 

Head Protection 

The skull protects the brain, and the head rests upon the neck. Injury to either one can have a serious impact on a person’s functioning and quality of life. Protecting the head on jobs where heavy objects in motion, and the risk of falling objects, are regular occurrences, is critically important. The “tried and true” method of protecting the head is the helmet. 

Helmets, most often referred to as ANSI hard hats, are made of hard, durable plastic, often high density polyethylene. Many hardhats include adjustable chin straps to ensure a snug fit. Inside, a suspension system evenly distributes the helmet’s weight over the head More recently, small sizes designed for women, children and men with smaller skulls have been made available, improving both worker compliance and confidence in the appearance of the hard hat. Hard hats should be made of a dielectric material, be able to withstand whichever impacts might take place within a given industry, and be resistant to chemicals which may be used on-site. Some hard hats include ventilation and attachment points for flashlights, radios and other tools. 

Work Gloves 

Virtually every activity we do, both on and off the job, involves our hands. Protecting the hands at work, from impact injuries, cuts, abrasions, caustic chemicals and repetitive stress, should be a priority. industrial work gloves help to keep the hands safe. Such gloves may range from the simple, rough leather style to more complex gloves, with elasticized cuffs, palm and finger grips, vent holes, knuckle reinforcements and flexible fabric. 

The characteristics found in the more complex gloves, such as the ones mentioned above, are an ideal choice for most work environments. They allow the worker to retain dexterity while protecting the hands from most injuries. Jobs which involve dangerous machinery or heavy items may dictate that  thicker gloves be used, sacrificing dexterity for the sake of protection. 

Ear muffs, earplugs and work gloves are not the only types of occupational safety products. Many others, including ergonomic office products, first aid products, protective clothing, respirators for environments with poor air quality, safety glasses, safety boots and shoes and lighting and communications systems, should be utilized when and where necessary. Remember, worker safety starts with training and awareness, and is completed by using the correct safety products.

Thank you, Joseph, for this great information regarding the important safety aspects of personal protective equipment and proper training in its use.

General Safety Issues

FRYING THE TURKEY AGAIN THIS YEAR?

If you see your neighbor sporting protective eyewear, safety gloves, and carrying a fire extinguisher, it’s a good guess that he’s not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  (Seems to be a “man” thing.)  Just in case, the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!  Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved: 

  •          Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  •          Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  •          It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  •          Do not overfill pot with oil.
  •          Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  •          Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  •          Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  •          Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  •          Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  •          Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  •          Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  •          If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If you choose to furnish this scrumptious main course for the holidays, just keep these safety tips in mind.  If you prefer to “play it safe”, bake the turkey in the oven.  The bird should be completely thawed (in the refrigerator), which may take a day or two, prior to cooking.  Either way, cook with care, and enjoy your feast!    Oh, by the way, a gentle reminder: please drive safely if you are on the road this holiday season.  Happy Holidays!

General Safety Issues

THIS IS NATIONAL TEENS DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE WEEK

National Teens Don’t Text and Drive Week, November 20th – 26th is a very important observance.  However, it should also be “National Adults and Teens Don’t Text and Drive Anytime!”  Recently, I took my grandaughter to a fast-food restaurant, where we were seated next to the window that drive-thru customers passed by.  I would estimate that 9 out of every 10 drivers were texting or retreiving emails while going through the drive-thru.  That may be a little safer than when they pulled out and got back on the freeway, but it still made me wonder if they do it more than just when they are slowed down.

Texting While Driving Kills Virtual Pedestrians  (from Live Science Staff)

“Several studies have shown that distractions while driving, such as using cell phones or texting, can be dangerous. New research confirms these findings among teens.  The study of 21 teens in a driving simulator found that while texting or searching their MP3 music players they changed speed dramatically, wove in an out of their lanes, and, in some cases, ran over virtual pedestrians.  Similar studies have found that adults who talk on cell phones while driving in simulators perform as dismally as drunken study participants. Studies from the University of Utah show that hands-free devices do not make it safe to use cell phones while driving.  In January, the National Safety Council called on state and federal lawmakers to ban the use of cell phones and text-messaging devices while driving and also urged businesses to prohibit it.”

You may not be old enough to remember the old joke (when riding bicycles):

  • “Look, Ma, No Hands! – Look, Ma, No Teeth!”
  •  Now, when driving and talking or texting on the cell phone,
  • “Look, Ma, No Hands! – Look, Ma, No ME!” 
  •   Seriously, it’s not a joking matter. 

In your opinion, which do you think is the most risky thing to do while driving: 

1.      Talking to passengers in the car?

2.      Talking on the phone?

3.      Texting while driving?

4.      Using the internet on the phone? 

I would be interested in your answer.  In my opinion, it is all of the above.  Let’s don’t take chances.  I can’t even text well when I am in my home, (just can’t hit the right letters!)  Let alone try to do it while I am driving.  From experience, I know that it is hard to concentrate on driving safely if I am having a phone conversation with a friend.  It is just not worth taking the chance. 

So, parents, set the example: turn the phone off while you are in the car.  I know this will fall on a lot of deaf ears.  But if you show your kids that you have the willpower to do what’s right, let’s hope they will follow suit.  Drive safely, and keep that phone turned off!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

THINKING ABOUT THE PERFECT GIFT?

There’s one in every family…..someone who has everything, and is impossible to shop for!  Most of us receive gift items that get recycled, (be careful to remember who gave it to you!), or stuck in a drawer somewhere.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you show how much you really care by giving emergency preparedness items as gifts.  It would be a unique idea to give a friend or someone you love a gift that might possibly save his/her life.  You may see what we have to offer, and order by going to Texas America Safety Company, http://www.tasco-safety.com/.

Our grandson recently got a truck for his 16th birthday.  I am willing to bet that he doesn’t have a highway safety kit, flashlight, blanket or other emergency equipment that would come in handy in case he became stranded.  These types of emergency kits could be fun to put together for Mom and Dad’s cars, as well. 

If you know someone who wears hardhats at work, we’ve got just the deal for you!  What better way to show your pride in America than by wearing a Patriotic hardhat?  There are other cool hardhats that represent NFL, NBL, NCAA, NHL, NASCAR, and MLB teams.  Shucks, we even have cowboy hardhats that are approved for most types of use.   

T.a.s.c.o  also has many choices of gloves (industrial and medical); some of the leather ones would be great for winter driving.  Mechanix gloves are great for those who need a good, sturdy glove.  There are pink Mechanix gloves, too, for ladies’ smaller hands.   If you know someone who walks early in the morning or late in the evening, what better gift than a high-visibility vest to wear over a jacket, or some high-visibility decals to draw attention to them?  A wide variety of safety glasses are available, too.  They look just as good as those you’d pay several times over for.  If you have a friend who wears safety glasses, check out the styles; you’ll be giving a great gift that offers protection. 

Have a skier on your list?  In addition to warm gloves, we have great selections of protective goggles.  Know someone who works in an industrial setting that requires earmuffs?  Try our Bilsom AM/FM Radio Earmuffs.  You can find them in the earmuffs section.  They are lightweight and durable for industrial work, and do not sound louder than 82 dB.  For those of you who have a welder on your list, T.a.s.c.o has a stock of the coolest welding helmets that can stand the heat! 

We invite you to see for yourself the many items that we offer that will be useful gifts.  Not only will you have the convenience of shopping at home, but for an added Christmas bonus, we’d like to offer you a 10% discount on your purchase!  (Just mention 10% Blog in the Special Instructions space, or remind the customer service person that you order from.)  We also have the capability to customize many items in-house.

We hope the upcoming days bring a wonderful holiday season to you and your loved ones.  Please stay safe, as traffic will be busier than usual.  Best Wishes for safety and happiness during this holiday time from all of us at Texas America Safety Company.  Our toll-free number in the U.S. is 800-646-5346.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

MERCHANTS, GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY! PART II

Today, we are continuing to get our battle-stations, excuse me, store management and employees ready for the pre-Black Friday and big Black Friday sales.  Please pay heed to these OSHA guidelines:

Pre-Event Setup: 

  • Barricades or rope lines should be set up well in advance of customers arriving at the store.
  • Ensure that barricades are set up so that the line does not start right at the entrance to the store.  This allows for orderly crowd management entry, and makes it possible to divide crowds into small groups for the purpose of controlling the entrance.
  • Barricade lines should have an adequate number of breaks and turns at intervals to reduce the risk of customers pushing from the rear and maybe crushing others.
  • Have designated workers to explain approach and entrance procedures to the arriving public, and direct them to lines or entrances.
  • Outside personnel should have radios, cell phones or other ways to communicate with personnel inside the store, as well as emergency responders.
  • Numbered wristbands or tickets might help earlier arriving customers with first access to sale items.
  • Consider using Internet lottery for “hot” items.
  • Provide public amenities including toilets, washbasins, water and shelter, if appropriate.
  • Distribute pamphlets with store information and updated sales items within the store to customers waiting outside.
  • Remind waiting crowds of the entrance process your business has chosen. 

During the Sales Event: 

  • Be sure all employees and crowd control personnel are aware that the doors are about to open.
  • Have uniformed guards, police, or other personnel at the entrances.
  • Use a P.A. system or bullhorns to manage the entering crowd and communicate information or problems.
  • Position security or crowd managers to the sides of entering (or exiting) public, not in the center of their path.
  • These entry management measures should be used at all entrances.
  • Do not allow additional customers to enter the store once it has reached maximum occupancy, until the level drops.
  • Be sure there is a safe entrance for those with disabilities. 

Emergency Situations: 

  • Do not restrict egress, and do not block or lock exit doors.
  • Know in advance who to call for emergency medical response.
  • Instruct employees, in the event of an emergency to follow instructions from authorized first responders, regardless of company rules. 

We hope retailers will be totally prepared for the onslaught of shoppers who hope to grab some bargains.  Any employees should not be at risk for injury any time they are working.  There are many dangerous occupations in this world, and I am beginning to wonder if this wouldn’t rank right up there with some of the toughest during this holiday season!  Shop friendly, and treat the sales people as kindly as you expect them to treat you.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

MERCHANTS! GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY – PART I

In the United States, Pre-Black Friday sales have already started, and retailers look forward to the day after Thanksgiving for one of their biggest days of sales through the entire year.  But for those employees who work for one of these big companies, OSHA is encouraging major retail employers to take precautions to prevent worker injuries.  It’s hard to believe that people can get worked up into such a frenzy to save money, but it happens.  In 2008, a worker was trampled to death while a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after-thanksgiving Day Black Friday sales event. 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for keeping their workers safe and healthy in their workplace.  OSHA encourages employers to adopt effective safety and health management systems to identify and eliminate work-related hazards, including those caused by large crowds at these types of sales proceedings. 

Crowd control is critical to preventing injuries and deaths.  There must be a crowd management plan.  The following fact sheet from OSHA gives retailers  guidelines for avoiding injuries during the holiday season.  Businesses should have trained security personnel or police officers on-site, set up barricades or rope lines for pedestrians well ahead of customers arriving at the store.  The customers’ line should not begin at the very front of the store entrance, emergency procedures should be ready to address potential dangers, and having security personnel or customer service representatives explain approach and entrance procedures to the arriving public is very important.

(Sounds like we’re getting ready for war!)  Here are some of the guidelines from OSHA, which include planning, pre-event set-up and during the sales event.  Major department stores should have already gone over these or other procedures, but if not, this is a great time to get started.  We begin with Part I:

Planning 

  • Have trained security or crowd management personnel or police officers on site where large crowds are expected.
  • Have a designated location for each worker.  Determine the number of workers needed in various locations to ensure the safety of the event – both near the entrance and throughout the store.
  • Be sure that workers are properly trained to manage the event.
  • Fire and police agencies should be contacted to ensure that the site meets all public safety requirements, and that all permits and licenses are obtained.  Also, that local emergency services in addition to the previously named ones are aware of this event.
  • Have a designated worker to contact local emergency responders if necessary.
  • Legible and visible signs should be posted that describe entrances, opening times, and other important information such as the location of the major sale items.
  • Prepare an emergency plan that addresses potential dangers facing workers, including overcrowding, crowd crushing, being struck by the crowd, violent acts, and fire.  Share emergency plan with all local public safety agencies.
  • Workers should be trained in crowd management procedures and the emergency plan.  Provide them with an opportunity to practice the special event plan.  Include local public safety agencies, if appropriate.

We’ll continue with Part II tomorrow: Pre-Event Setup, During Sales Event, and What to do in Emergency Situations.  If more businesses would use these methods, there will be fewer injuries to their employees.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

IT’S TIME FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT!

Smokers will think “NOT AGAIN!” when they hear about the Great American Smokeout planned for Thursday, November 17th.  This is the 36th annual smoke-free day sponsored by the American Cancer Society, who encourages tobacco smokers and chewers to quit for ONE day, and hopefully, forever.  The Smokeout draws attention to deaths and health damage caused by smoking.  It has also contributed to bans on smoking in workplaces and restaurants, increased taxes on cigarettes, limitations on cigarette promotions in the media, attempts to discourage teen smoking, and other countless actions to reduce tobacco use. 

There are approximately 46 million Americans that continue to smoke.  According to the CDC, 443,000 deaths result from smoking and second-hand smoke, $96 Billion in health care costs and $97 Billion in lost production occur annually.  Here are some facts from the U.S. Surgeon General and American Cancer Society that point out the benefits of quitting: 

  •        Your heart rate and blood pressure drop 20 minutes after quitting.
  •        Your circulation improves and your lung function increases within 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting.
  •        The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal 12 hours after quitting.
  •        One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease; normal function in the lungs is regained, which reduces the risk of infection.
  •        One year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
  •        Five years after quitting, the stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
  •        Ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. 
  •        The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
  •        Fifteen years after quitting, risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. 

It is a very hard habit to break, but consider the health benefits as listed above, not to mention creating a safer environment for those non-smokers who have to breathe secondhand smoke!  Approximately two out of three smokers want to quit, and 52.4% of current adult smokers tried to quit within the past year. Healthcare providers should routinely identify smokers and other tobacco users, advise them to quit, and assist those trying to quit .  Getting help (e.g., through counseling or medication) can double or triple the chances for quitting. 

Workplaces that make the choice to become smoke-free would see increased productivity, fewer sick days and lower insurance claims by employees.  Employers could reward their workers who stop smoking by paying a membership fee to a health club, treat them to an occasional free breakfast or lunch, or come up with other innovative ideas.  

People have the right to choose what to do with their body; however, when facts prove that smoking damages almost every organ in the human body and is linked to at least fifteen different cancers, that should be reason enough for tobacco users to consider stopping.  Besides that, think of all the money that could be saved!  So, Thursday, come on, we dare you!  You can do it for at least one day…then another….and another!